Super C: Symptoms of broken axle or other major problem

If I don't have the left brake on the tractor seems to run completely normally with no odd behavior or noise. When I press on the left brake though the right wheel is obviously the drive wheel and makes the noise. The axle does turn though and it is hard to tell but I think it is turning at the normal rate.

In my head I was wondering if the axle is broken but that the way it is broken it will still drive the wheels (perhaps through the jagget ends of the broken axle?).

At this point am looking for advise on what other tests / actions I can take to diagnose the problem before tearing things appart. Then if there is a priority order in taking things apart.

I believe Super C is a 1952 model (based on serial number of 179411).

Any suggestions?

lance

1) If it is the inner axle bearing is that something that can be changed by simply removing the axle housing (I do have a repair manual but don't have it handy at the moment) and working from there or does one need to remove the cover and work from the inside?

2) If it can be replaced without removing the cover will I have to remove the cover anyway to inspect / remove parts from inside the transmission anyway or is there another option?

Thanks in advance.
Lance

p.s. I don't post very often here but have gotten a lot of great information by monitoring the traffic and using the search function when dealing with my Super A, Super C, and 350. You guys are all great. Thanks all.

Gordo

The tractor would not pull at all with a broken axle and the wheel should turn twice as fast if the left wheel is stopped by applying the brake.

Unfortunately, if the brake pinion or spider gears are involved, the top cover (and a bunch more)will have to come off to get to the problem. The old Laugh-In joke about when the Dr. ask "Does it hurt to do that?" and the reply of the patient is "Yes", then the Dr. replys "Then don't do that" is applicable here. I would drain the transmission oil, pull the pto and look for metal pieces. If you don't find anything too alarming, then run the tractor without using that brake as much as possible.